Stevan Jovetic
Stevan Jovetic's performances for Fiorentina have attracted interest from across Europe. Reuters

Arsenal are said to be increasingly confident of signing Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic this summer, but they could face strong competition from Italian champions Juventus.

Arsene Wenger has had the Montenegrin watched on several occasions and, according to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal have already held talks with Fiorentina. The big caveat to any deal, as it doubtless will be for many of Arsenal’s prospective transfers this summer, is that the Gunners will likely have to qualify for the Champions League in order to secure their target.

Fiorentina still have an outside chance of securing Champions League qualification themselves, but if they fail in that objective then the 23-year-old could well be on his way.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport believes that Fiorentina’s stance has softened over their star player departing, with quotes from the club’s president Andrea Della Valle revealing that talks will take place after the final match of the season next week.

But Juventus are also thought to be keeping tabs on Jovetic and the player has revealed that he is flattered by their interest.

“It is very satisfying that a club like Juventus are interested in signing me," Jovetic is quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"I feel honored that they are keeping tabs on me."

While the signing of Jovetic appears a priority for Wenger, there have been reports that Arsenal have had a bid rejected for Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

The Gunners are believed to be searching for an experienced stopper this summer, following a disappointing season for Wojciech Szczesny.

Portuguese publication A Bola has now claimed that Arsenal had a scout watch Patricio in action on Saturday against Olhanense, while a bid of €10 million (£8.4m) was also lodged. That initial offer for the 25-year-old Portugal international was turned down, however.

Meanwhile, there have been claims that Cesc Fabregas is being targeted for a return to the Premier League, but with Manchester United.

The former Arsenal captain has failed to fully integrate into the Barcelona side since he rejoined his boyhood club in 2011 and there have been suggestions that the Catalans would be prepared to allow the 26-year-old to leave.

The London Evening Standard reports that Barcelona, who still owe Arsenal £5 million of the £35 million fee for which they purchased the midfielder, would want to recoup £20 million for Fabregas. United are said to have made already made contact over a potentially sensational transfer.

If true, the move would likely prompt action from Arsenal, which is believed to have inserted a clause into the deal that saw Fabregas depart for the Camp Nou giving the Gunners first option on buying the player back.

Fabregas was one of too many star players that have departed Arsenal against the club’s wishes in recent seasons and Gunners fans will not want to see that trend continue. It will be concerning then that there have been suggestions that Pep Guardiola is keen to sign Jack Wilshere when the former Barcelona boss takes over at Bayern Munich.

Citing stories in Germany, Metro reports that Guardiola is determined to sign the 21-year-old midfielder and, although he concedes a deal may not be possible this summer, is hopeful that Wilshere may be attainable in the future.

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